Benazepril-Hydrochlorothiazide

Benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT) is a medication that is used to lower high blood pressure in adults. The drug works by allowing the blood vessels to relax and by causing the kidneys to remove more salt and water from the blood in order to reduce blood volume. Due to the combined effects of benazepril hydrochlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide, this drug can cause a greater drop in blood pressure than if either medication is used alone. Your medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in your blood. Possible side effects of this drug include dizziness, cough, and fatigue.

Who Makes Benazepril-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

How Does Benazepril-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines -- Lotensin® (benazepril) and hydrochlorothiazide. Lotensin is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Lotensin helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Lotensin causes blood vessels to relax.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amounts of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

Because of the effects of both Lotensin and hydrochlorothiazide, benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

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